Motorcycle safety for all riders

Despite their smaller size and open-air benefits, and despite how easy all those people on television and in movies make it look, motorcycles are a lot more dangerous than a car. Cars at least provide a sturdy frame, airbags, and other features to minimize danger to the driver and passengers in the case of an accident.

Motorcycles don’t have that much protection, which makes crashes fatal when it comes to motorcycles vs cars, even if alcohol or speeding gets taken out of the equation. Especially for older drivers who have weaker bones and slower reflexes.

This isn’t to say motorcycles are dangerous or that they shouldn’t be ridden, but it does warrant caution and protection when people do saddle up and ride.

Be cautious when buying a bike

Motorcycles are often faster than many people think, so take the time to sit on the bike and ensure that feet can rest on the ground, the controls can be reached, and that the rider and passengers are comfortable and can remain in the position for several minutes without needing to shift or move their weight around.

Ensuring that the bike can be mounted, pushed around, and moved without exerting too much pressure is also a checklist to run through. Being able to lift the bike or simply push in into a tight corner are skills that might come into play during both everyday use and an accident.

Finally, ensure that the bike either comes with or can have antilock brakes added to it. These brakes allow drivers to steer their bikes to safety when the brakes are locked and maintain control during skids or other slippery conditions.

Be sure to train and use common sense

This is especially important if it’s been a while because both new riders and motorcycle veterans can have trouble with remembering and using all their skills. Schools exist to teach and reteach new riders about how to handle their bikes, as well as changes in road laws and technology.

One of the first things a course will teach is how to keep all riders safe, and the big takeaway is wearing a helmet. Think of it like the frame of a car, and in a crash that frame absorbs impact and keeps people safe. A helmet does the same thing for heads, and since most bike riders are often without any additional protection, helmets can literary be lifesavers.

Wearing leather jackets, gloves, long pants, and sunglasses not only makes the rider look pretty awesome, but also keeps them protected from flying bugs, debris, and the wind. In the event of a crash, they can also be pretty good shock absorbers as well.

Other tips

Not driving in bad weather, being a defensive and proactive rider, and being alert for changes with both other vehicles and the road, also increase the chance for safety on a motorcycle and allows for people to feel the wind running through their hair and have fun without thinking about any danger.